A small thanks to the resident Theists..

[max-greece]

I can't resist asking

I've done this before and found myself in a ridicule session, I'm going to do this even though I know there's a session coming, I trust you will not be part of it.

do you think if you didn't ask God directly but went straight to studying scripture you'd get your answer anyway?

There are passage that have easy meanings and can be discerned by most people, yet there are those passages that require much study and the Holy Spirits discernment and it is those I depend on God to help me learn. Then there are subjects that take even more study and God's help to understand, let's call it the big picture. So yes I ask and receive what God wants me to learn and would not if it was not revealed, just like the passage that's in question by some here.

Do you think the answer you get might be different without the direct questioning first?

Yes, because the answer would be base on my own human reasoning, reasoning that lacks the understanding of God's greater plan, this plan must be revealed to us from God through the Holy Spirit.

Also - are you always satisfied with the answers you get?

Yes when I listen to what I'm being taught, God promises truth and truth is what I want. Truth is reality that stands up to test and ridicule, those who test and ridicule can not change the truth no matter how much they think it might.

Do you ever get an answer that disappoints you in some way? Do the answers sometimes raise other questions?

I may not completely understand what has been revealed at the time and you might say I'm not satisfied, disappointed no, how am I to be disappointed in God's truth. Yes sometimes they do, like when I'm not satisfied and I continue to ask and read scripture.

Too many questions - sorry - just trying to understand a bit more of your process.

Like I said, I've done this before and found myself in a ridicule session, and as long as your not part of it I'll answer your questions, I have no problem with sharing as long as others are reasonable.

GC

Apologies for the ridicule to come - I shall not be part of it. I probably should have PM'ed these but I only thought of that now.

Obviously I don't share you faith or belief but I realized not long ago that I really don't understand how people of faith come to their conclusions. I admit I wince a little when you talk about God answering your questions but the point of my questions was not the usual atheist Vs theist thing so I am leaving it alone.

Thanks for the answers. I'll save my ridicule for another thread.